Louise (Rozzo) Bell

Louise (Rozzo) Bell, 88, died August 22, 2013, 47 days after her husband, in Port St. Lucie, Fl., suffering a massive stroke.

She was born October 14, 1924 on Hudson Street, in Manhattan; then, the heart of New York City's Italian immigrant community, the seventh of 10 children conceived by Antonetta Rose (Andreoli) Rozzo and Giuseppe Carmine Rozzo, both of Italy's Neapolitan regions. Antonetta's devotion to God and her family made her a saintly example for all her children. Giuseppe's hard work and kindly spirit added to keeping the home warm and welcoming for many.


The Rozzo clan moved from lower Manhattan to East Elmhurst, Queens where Louise and her younger siblings attended public schools 'when the teachers were all dedicated' mom would say. She attended one year at N.Y. University after graduating high school wanting to study journalism. She worked briefly at Walgreen's as a counter girl serving ice cream and soda. She had to take one day off work in order to translate for her mother who spoke little English, when her mother ordered a new washing machine. The mechanic who would install the machine called late in the day to say he couldn't make the appointment. Louise let him know how costly the delay was because she lost a day's pay. In her trade, the young mechanic quickly thought to say, 'You have such a beautiful voice when you're angry.' She wasn't impressed. The mechanic showed up the following day, was seen as a hard worker by Antonetta Rozzo who then had this young man invited to dinner where he met and further apologized to Louise. They married less than a year later on February 16, 1947 celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary in Port St.Lucie this year.


Russell and Louise were parents to four children: William Joseph Bell, Antoinette Rose-Lee(Bell) Witt, Christopher Russell Bell and David Francis Bell. They were grandparents to 18 children and great grandparents to 3, as well as beloved siblings, cousins, uncle or aunt and friend of many.


They met Cardinal John O'Connor of New York, Pope John Paul II in Rome and Louise met Mother Teresa in the Bronx. Louise was a Eucharistic Minister for at least 30 years mostly at St. Boniface Parish in Elmont, NY and later at Holy Family Parish in Port St. Lucie, FL. She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters at St. Boniface Church serving as Grand Regent. She taught the Catholic Faith to young children for about 30 years. During her years teaching, she prepared some three to four hundred second graders for the Sacrament of Holy Communion. For her service she received the Kerygma Award from Bishop John McGann at the Cathedral in Rockville Centre. She became a fervent Third Order Franciscan, reported Deacon Tony Cuseo who helped bring her into that Fraternity.


She was active as a volunteer at the Church food pantry as well as a helper for various other Church and civic organizations throughout her life until her health prevented her from continuing. Louise Bell loved her family greatly, was helpful to others and particularly supportive of many Christ-centered charities. She never hesitated to show support and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. She taught her children and everyone who knew her to love Our Lord and do good. She greatly believed in God's Will. God's Will is done in all things even when we can't understand but we can accept, she showed us by her actions. At a time like this she would say, 'Cherish the memories you have. No one can take away those memories.' She would make it a point to call those who lost a spouse or loved one, often to go out to lunch or dinner or have them over for coffee or tea. Louise and Russell hand made many thousands of Rosaries which were sent to missions and charities near and far. On the day Louise died, the Catholic Church recalls the Queenship of Mary, Jesus' mother; we pray Mary is taking Louise's hand walking her toward Jesus. May she now enter into the home God has prepared for her in eternity.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 31, 2013 from 8 to 11 am at Green-Patterson Funeral Home in Cameron, Texas. A Funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:30 am at Little River Baptist Church in Cameron, Texas with Rev. Tommy Roberson officiating. Burial will follow in Little River Cemetery.